The collaboration will see the venue support sustainability awareness as well as directly contributing to cleaning up the Parramatta River, which is not far from the showground.
Sydney Showground will sponsor the Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, an all-electric yacht taking part in this year’s Sydney to Hobart sailing race, which begins on Boxing Day. The yacht’s participation in the event intends to increase awareness of the importance of green energy.
“As a venue, we are putting our money where our mouth is and taking our investment in sustainability beyond our own industry,” said Sydney Showground’s director of sales and marketing, Andrew Roberts.
“We initially met the great team at Ocean Crusaders last year through our event sustainability partners, Clima, and were inspired by the work they are doing in cleaning up our oceans and bringing attention to green energy solutions.
“Through our investment in the team, we hope to play our part in highlighting innovative energy solutions beyond our own industry and give back to the wider community in a unique way that benefits both our clients and the environment.”
The partnership announcement came as Sydney Showground hosted the Sydney Boat Show for the first time last week.
Taking over similar dates to what was the Sydney International Boat Show usually held in Darling Harbour, the show featured paddle, power and sail boats alongside a focus on fishing.
Holding the event at Sydney Showground provided more space than in Darling Harbour at “very attractive venue fees and charges” according to the Boating Industry Association.
Darling Harbour will host the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in November showcasing a variety of different vessels, including luxury cruisers.
Through sponsorship and donations, Ocean Crusaders have removed just shy of 55,000kg of debris from oceans and waterways in and around Australia this year.
“We are thrilled to continue to evolve our partnership with Sydney Showground and are grateful for their on-going support of our important mission,” said Ocean Crusaders founder, Ian Thomson.
“This funding directly assists with our efforts to clean up the ocean and waterways and has ensured that we can spread our message through competing in the internationally renowned Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on Boxing Day.”
Alongside this latest partnership, Sydney Showgrounds has been undertaking venue upgrades to reduce its operational carbon emissions.
Last year, the venue also introduced a carbon measurement and offset initiative for event clients through Clima.
